The blog of author Betsy Kerekes

Bits and Bobs

No actual Bobs were hurt or thought about during the writing of this post. Shoot. Now I just thought of one. I hope he’s okay.

I was reciting spelling words to my ten-year-old. One of the words was recurring. She wrote it twice. On purpose. Clever girl.

This is the same girl who, six years ago, was in a narrating kick. She once said, “Lucy is walking, walking, walking. Lucy is leaving the room.” (Thank goodness.)

There’s a man who periodically comes to the door asking if he can cut branches off our eucalyptus tree. I think he said his sister uses them in her florist shop. Since the tree grows like a weed and we occasionally have to have it professionally trimmed, I’m always happy to let him.

This time he said he’d be right back after picking his kids up from the school around the corner. When he was gone for a long time I worried he’d changed his mind. Finally there was a knock on the door. The man’s young son was standing there with a bouquet of flowers.

“My mom said to give these to you.”

I thanked him and told him to pass along the thanks to his wonderful mom. I neglected to inform him that his family was doing me a favor.

And now a note to my blog buddies. Since signing my book contract about two months ago, I’ve written maybe five paragraphs. This is not good, and I hope my editor isn’t reading this. I need to trim something from my life. Since I can’t cut being a wife and mother, I don’t want to stop homeschooling or my part-time job, and I’ve already cut housecleaning down to the minimum legal limit, it seems I need to read and comment on blogs less. Not that I expect any of you to actually notice that I’m not there, but just in case, in the odd chance that you say, “Gosh, Betsy didn’t like and comment on this post. Did I do something to offend her? Did she fall off a cliff?” Chances are no, and goodness I hope not. I’ll still be around, but not quite as much, especially for you multiple-times a week posters. And don’t be offended if I hit like but don’t comment, since commenting then involves a back and forth exchange which I’ll surely miss. 😦 If I can be dedicated enough to make some serious progress on this puppy, I’ll come back and spend more time with you. Promise! Until then, blog away my friends!

I totally agree, keep your sanity and cut back. We’ll miss you, but good for you for setting priorities! Good luck with that book of yours, I know it’s going to be amazing! I can’t wait to read it when it’s published!

It’s swollen and difficult to bend due to an injection to kill a wart. Cool water would feel better, not so much hot. I did all the big things for her. The rest she can take care of tomorrow. Should (hopefully) be better by then.

Betsy is writing, writing, writing…
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. I think that was from the movie The Shining, but all I learned from that was to not get stuck in a snow storm in an empty hotel, cause you’ll end up axing down a bathroom door! “Here’s Betsy!”

I love comments! Thank you. And I’m happy to hear that I may be your top commenter. What an honor. It will also make me feel better if I leave without a comment here and there. I’ll let someone else get a chance to catch up. 😉

Haha. You are certainly not the worst “offender” when it comes to lots of posting. I’m so impressed by those who post something daily!!! I’ll doubtlessly risk a bit of time to at least comment a quick Hello. 🙂 Don’t you worry about me.

Aren’t trees wonderful so much to give, and sometimes people can be too…what a lovely gesture on both you and the man, let’s call him Bob’s part. I can’t believe all the things you do homeschool is a full-time job and childrearing is another so you technically have 2 1/2 jobs going. I will miss you on the blog…best of luck with you’re writing!

Thank you. I’ll still be popping in here and there. I’m sure I won’t be able to keep myself completely away. And yes, about the tree. I was so touched by the flowers. That’s why I had to take a picture and share about it. 🙂

The flowers are pretty. I understand your need to back away from the blogosphere. I’ll miss you, but as a tried and true blogger [who has never once had any agent interested in having me write a book, which I already have done in my blog over the years], I get it. I’ll be cheering you on from afar.

Always a tough decision to make, but I have so much respect when people do it because it shows such a wise ordering of life. Good luck to you! Hope to see you soon – and read your book too (I think I missed the first one!) – will miss you!

If you think you missed the first book, that means you also missed the second one! Haha. (They’re on the blog homepage, in case you’re interested.) This will be the third. And thank you so much for your support. I may still drop by for a quick peek and a like every now and then. 🙂

Newly released!

My books

101 Tips for a Happier Marriage is now available in India and surrounding countries. Just click the image. This version was even spotted in Kenya!

101 Tips for a Happier Marriage--Korean edition (comes with a purple bookmark)

Not my book but worth advertising!

If you like slice of life stories, particularly about the diversity of the American South, you'll love this book. Heck, if you like relaxing with entertaining stories and having a good laugh, you'll love this book!